News Summary
Los Angeles is battling a severe litter crisis, with complaints rising over trash accumulation on streets and highways. Grassroots organizations, like Volunteers Cleaning Communities, are stepping in to address the issue, but city services are lagging behind. Councilmember John Lee has highlighted the severity of the litter problem, and recent audits reveal increasing response times for illegal dumping. Despite efforts resulting in the removal of hundreds of tons of trash, studies indicate the problem persists, calling for greater community involvement to ensure cleaner public spaces.
Los Angeles is facing a significant litter crisis, with increasing complaints about trash on streets and near freeway areas. Grassroots volunteer groups are stepping in to address these concerns while city services struggle to keep pace with the growing problem. The local City Council has been proactive in seeking assistance from volunteers to combat litter issues, highlighting the city’s declining sanitation services.
Jill Mather, the founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities (VCC), organized a recent trash cleanup in Canoga Park following a request from Councilmember John Lee’s office, which noted severe litter problems in the area. Mather, along with three volunteers, successfully collected a substantial amount of trash; however, they noted that a more comprehensive cleanup would necessitate specialized crews to address the extent of the debris.
Grassroots organizations like VCC are essential in maintaining cleanliness throughout Los Angeles. They routinely address litter scattered in sidewalks, gutters, and parking lots. Recent surveys have underlined the scope of the issue, with Oxi Fresh ranking the Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim area as the second-dirtiest metropolitan area in the United States for 2025. Lawnstarter echoed these findings, citing issues such as air quality and pollution near roadways as significant contributing factors to the city’s litter problem.
Trash accumulation has become particularly evident along major highways, including the 405, 110, and 10 freeways, where debris like tarps and mattresses are common sights. The Annenberg wildlife crossing located near the 101 freeway is also surrounded by garbage, emphasizing the cleanliness issues within Los Angeles. Observations have indicated that city streets may be as dirty, or even more so, than littered highways.
Illegal dumping remains a rampant issue, with construction debris, landscapers’ waste, and discarded tires frequently noted as the primary sources of litter. In efforts to combat this, residents can report trash using the city’s 311 app. However, many have expressed frustrations regarding the response efficiency of this service.
A 2021 audit conducted by the City Controller revealed that the average response time for trash pickup is around five days, with illegal dumping complaints seeing a notable 36% increase in early 2025. The pervasive presence of homeless encampments has intensified litter problems, as these areas are often left untended and accumulate significant waste.
Despite the challenges, notable cleanup initiatives have achieved considerable success. Recent efforts have resulted in the removal of approximately 714 tons of waste from public rights-of-way, with specialized programs like Skid Row Cleaning Services collecting around 369 tons of trash in a recent operating period. Mayor Karen Bass has acknowledged the decline in sanitation services, attributing the worsening litter crisis to systemic cuts over time.
Research suggests that the ‘broken windows’ effect is currently in full swing in Los Angeles, where visible signs of neglect lead to increased disorder in communities. This litter pollution not only detracts from the aesthetics of the city but also adversely impacts waterways, with heavy debris runoff affecting areas such as Ballona Creek and Santa Monica Bay.
The state’s transportation agency, Caltrans, is also involved in cleanup operations, claiming to have removed millions of cubic yards of litter from California highways since 2021. Mather, reflecting the sentiments of many local activists, emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and volunteerism in addressing these litter issues, indicating that community support is crucial for effective cleanup efforts.
Amid these volunteer initiatives, the “Trash House” controversy has arisen in the Fairfax District, where a homeowner’s situation has sparked division among neighbors concerning mental health and property maintenance. Meanwhile, Juan Eduardo Naula, a new resident from Virginia, has founded the nonprofit Clean L.A. With Me, which aims to mobilize volunteers across the city to tackle trash problems. His efforts include creating neighborhood receptacles for waste and encouraging community involvement through social media platforms.
The widespread litter issues in Los Angeles create an urgent need for ongoing community action and collaboration between volunteers and city officials to ensure cleaner, safer public spaces for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Trash House in Fairfax District
- ABC7: Clean L.A. with Juan Eduardo Naula
- Los Angeles Times: Clean Up Los Angeles
- VOA News: Cleanup Amid Wildfires
- Daily News: Thank Volunteers for Less Trash
- Wikipedia: Littering
- Google Search: Trash Collection in Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: Littering in Urban Areas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Litter
- Google News: Litter Cleanup Los Angeles
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
